Key Events

That's all folks

The road reopened shortly before 5.30pm and there is understandably a lot of residual tailbacks in the area.

Here’s hoping everyone gets home safely. Good evening Surrey.

17:55

Live traffic map as we approach 6pm

Here’s how things look on the M25 right now - not making for pleasant viewing if we’re honest.

(Image: Google Maps)

17:42KEY EVENT

Full recap at 5.45pm after three-vehicle crash

Another quick recap as we approach 5.45pm this afternoon.

There was a three-vehicle crash on the northbound M23 between junction 9 for Gatwick and junction 8 for the M25 at around 3pm.

The crash happened on the approach to the junction for the M25 at junction 8 on the M23 (junction 7 of the M25).

All three lanes were closed northbound while southbound traffic was also briefly held.

Surrey Police reported a car may have mounted the central reservation during the crash.

Queues stretched back past junction 10 for Crawley, where traffic was soon diverted away from the scene via a diversion.

The clean-up operation was hampered by the amount of debris in the road, across all three lanes, and a ‘fluid/fuel’ leak.

The road reopened fully at around 5.15pm.

However, major delays remain in the area.

17:39

Road reopened by major delays remain

Right, as reported a little earlier, the road has fully reopened but don’t expect to be flying off on your way any time soon. There is a lot of traffic in the area. Here’s the latest from our traffic service.

“M23 - WEST SUSSEX - LONDON BOUND Severe delays due to earlier accident, three cars involved on M23 London bound between J10 A2011 / A264 (Crawley / East Grinstead) and M25 J7, congestion on M23 to J11 A23 (Pease Pottage).

“The accident happened at 15:00, just before the M25. The carriageway reopened at 17:25, but major delays remain.”

17:37

18-month-old on board

No problem either Bridie! (if that is your name!).

17:23

M23 fully reopened past crash scene

Good news!

17:15

Highways England treating 'fuel/fluid leak'

A few last elements of the clean-up job to complete, according to Highways England.

17:09

M23 'to reopen very soon'

Frantic work ongoing to clear the carriageway, according to Surrey Police.

17:01

Trapped with two young children on board - 'eek!'

Hope you’re on your way soon Kirsty and co.

16:59

Trapped traffic to be released once 'badly damaged vehicle' released

More from Highways England on the recovery operation.

16:45

'Three cars in carriageway blocking all lanes'

Sounds like the M23 isn’t going to be reopened any time soon - lot of recovery work to complete, according to police.

16:45KEY EVENT

Highways England statement on 'serious incident'

Highways England has issued a statement on the crash.

“The M23 is currently closed northbound between junction 10 and junction 8 due to a serious collision incident which has occurred between junction 8 and junction 8 shortly after 3pm this afternoon.

“Surrey Police and emergency services are currently on scene. A closure at junction 10 has been enabled to assist customers to access the diversion route.

“This closure affections customers leaving Gatwick Airport who may wish to join the M23 southbound to junction 10 and join the diversion route or may wish to consider other local routes.

“Customers on the M23 heading northbound towards Gatwick and the M25 are advised to exit the M23 at junction 10 and follow the solid square symbol, proceeding on to the A264 eastbound to Felbridge.

“Then joining the A22 northbound which routes traffic to re-join the motorway network at junction 6 of the M25.

“Customers are advised to allow extra time for their journey.”

16:39

What section of the M23 is currently affected by the crash?

Traffic is currently queuing back from junction 8 for the M25 back so far as junction 10 for Crawley.

(Image: Google Maps)

16:37

Where exactly has the crash happened?

The exact location is near a matrix sign on the approach to junction 8 for the M25, marked by the red line on this map.

(Image: Google Maps)

16:27

M23 'closed at junction 10'

More from the police - the M23 has been closed at junction 10 and traffic is being directly via alternative routes.

Trapped traffic, we understand, will be released once further recovery takes place.

16:26

Surrey Police on the scene after car 'mounts central reservation'

Surrey Police’s roads policing unit is in attendance, reporting a car has ‘mounted the central reservation’.

16:25

'Serious collision' - major delays J10 (Crawley) to J8 (M25)

Highways England confirmed traffic was held southbound, briefly, following the incident.